Boeing’s Phantom Works unit released this rendering that depicts a notional next-generation fighter assembly line.
Boeing has revealed plans to local authorities to spend $1.8 billion to open three previously announced advanced-aircraft manufacturing facilities in St. Louis, which is the home of the company’s fighter production lines and the Phantom Works unit focused on air-dominance programs.
The St. Louis Airport Commission approved an Aug. 9 request by Boeing to lease immediately 154 additional acres to house the new facilities, with an option to add 24 more acres through the end of 2026, according to the commission’s website.
During an Aug. 9 commission hearing, a Boeing official estimated the redevelopment project would cost $1.8 billion and bring in 500 new jobs.
Boeing revealed plans to build three new facilities in St. Louis last September. During a ribbon-cutting event for a composite fabrication plant in Mesa, Arizona, Boeing officials also said the company would open new facilities in St. Louis, including a specialized laboratory and test facility, an assembly building and a post-assembly center.
The capital investments by Boeing are supporting the company’s “future franchise” programs, which possibly include ongoing campaigns to win Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) aircraft for the U.S. military and future commercial aircraft work.
Boeing and Lockheed Martin are the presumed finalists for the Air Force’s crewed fighter being developed within the NGAD program. Northrop Grumman has withdrawn from the Air Force competition, but a contract award is scheduled next year. The Navy also plans to develop a new fighter to replace the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, but the timing and status of the competition is not clear.
Both the Air Force and Navy also plan to develop a family of uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft, augmenting the crewed fighters and providing additional sensors and munitions.
Boeing’s commercial busines additionally has “franchise” program opportunities in the distant future, including a proposed New Midsize Airplane that is on hold.
